Peel Stop vs Peel Bond: 6 Important Differences

Let’s say you have just finished painting interiors that looked pretty scrappy previously. It took hours and a lot of work to finish coating it evenly. Not to mention, the paint was not cheap either. Come a few weeks, you find the interiors have already started peeling!

It can be one of the most frustrating things in home renovation, not to mention pretty resource-heavy to keep rectifying. Thankfully, there are various methods to prevent paint peeling. For example, you can prepare your walls with paint-binding primers.

Paint binding primers usually consist of either peel bonds or peel stops. Peel Stop vs Peel Bond: what are the differences, and which should you use for your projects? Read on to find out!

Why you should use paint primers

Like any canvas, paint does not adhere well if the surface of the canvas is not well-prepped. This means eliminating bumps and crevices on the wall. Any space within the targeted surface and the paint layer can allow moisture in, which creates a break in the paint layer.

A primer gets the wall ready to accept the paint, much like a primer would for more traditional art or makeup. It prevents this by either filling the gap or creating more adherence of the paint to fit these curvatures and irregularities in the surface of the wall.

With binding chemicals, you also don’t have to spend so much time on surface preparation such as sanding and deflaking.

Peel Stop vs Peel Bond: Key Differences

Characteristics	Peel Bond	Peel Stop
Main function	Prepare a flexible surface for the paint to go on	Reduces surface deficiencies before paint is applied
Preparation	Needs more extensive preparation (removal flakey paint, surface contaminants, mould and mildew)	Remove flakey paint and mildew
Time it takes to dry to touch	30 minutes	30 minutes
Time it takes before top coat can be applied	40 minutes to 1 hour (or when it is dried to a hazy clear)	2 hours
Breathability	Does not allows surfaces to breathe	Allows surfaces to breathe
Top Coat	Best used with Latex paint, do no use with gloss that dries to a hard finish (epoxies and	Best used with 100% acrylic paint

Peel bond and Peel Stop are some of the most popular paint primers among the DIY home improvement community. However, despite their name similarities, they are both different products sold by different sellers. As a result, there are a few key differences between these two paint primer products.

Peel Bond

Peel Bond is also branded as Xim Peel Bond. The key difference with Peel Stop is that it primes the surface by making the top coat of paint more flexible. It does this by first preparing a smooth, flexible layer that adheres to the surface of the target construction material.

Throughout the lifespan of the paint, it provides a smooth layer that allows the paint to adhere to the texture of the surface, whatever construction material it may be.

In a way, Peel Bond provides a whole new layer entirely, unlike Peel Stop which fixes existing surfaces. Hence, Peel Bond is also thicker and less breathable than Peel Stop. Moreover, you can apply Peel Bond through spraying, brushing, or rolling.

Characteristics of Peel Bond

• A high build, water-based, penetrating, bonding paint primer
• Primes the surface by remaining flexible over the lifespan of the paint
• Often used with latex paint

Considerations for Peel Bond Application

• Prepare the product by mixing it well, may it be through shaking it thoroughly or mixing it well
• Apply at temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum application
• Apply with a synthetic brush, roller, or spray
• Do not exceed 25-30 mils per application
• Wait about 30 minutes for Peel Bond to be dry to touch
• Apply top coat in about 40-60 minutes (when it dries to a hazy clear)
• Use topcoats that are latex paints
• Avoid applying a top coat that dries to a hard gloss (epoxies)

Consideration for Surface Preparation for Peel Bond

Peel Bond is not like Peel Stop in the sense that it does not get rid of any existing surface deficiencies by “gluing” it down. Hence, more surface prep has to be done in order to prepare the surface for Peel Bond and consequently, the top coat of paint.

• Ensure the surface is clean and dry and free of any surface contaminants like dust, grease, and wax
• Clean the surface with detergent and let dry
• Remove any peeling paint
• Scrub and clean any moldy and mildewed surfaces
• Spot prime areas that need extra filling

Peel Stop

Peel Stop, which is also known as Zinsser Peel Stop, differs from Peel Bond in several ways. Peel stop functions in filling in or gluing down existing surface deficiencies.

On the other hand, Peel Bond creates a new surface entirely through its application. You can think of it as Peel Stop fixing existing surfaces, whereas Peel Bond creates a new surface altogether.

Peel Stop glues down any peeling paint edges, which binds chalky residues to the surface. As a result, Peel Stop fills in any cracked edges that the surface may have. Furthermore, Peel Stop also has a thinner composition than Peel Bond, allowing your walls to breathe and dry more quickly.

In terms of application, you can apply Peel Stop via brushing and rolling. However, it does not have a spray option like Peel Bond.

Characteristics of Peel Stop

• A clear, flexible, bridging sealer to fix flaking, peels, dusting, or chalking
• Primes the surface by fixing existing deficiencies
• Best used with acrylic paint

Considerations for Peel Stop Application

Peel Stop does not need as much surface preparation as Peel Bond because it fixes most deficiencies. However, there are several things that you must keep in mind before applying Peel Stop:

• Clean and scrape surfaces to remove as much loose or flaky paint as possible
• Remove mildew with either bleach or Fungicidal washes
• Apply a coat of Peel Stop with either a brush, roller, or spray
• Use a brush or roller to work into the cracks of old paint
• Peel Stop dries to touch within 30 minutes
• The topcoat can be applied in 2 hours
• Use 100% acrylic paint as a top coat for best results

How to prepare a surface for paint

Paint primers such as Peel Bond and Peel Stop are an extra method of increasing the longevity of the paint. Primers also prevent paint from peeling and chipping, causing your home to look unpleasant. Regardless of which product you prefer, surface preparation is a crucial step in the painting process. 

Firstly, sanding or filing the surface. You need a smooth surface for the paint to go on because any unevenness will affect the finishing results. Also, remember to remove sanding dust or leftover debris during the sanding process before you proceed with your painting job.

Then, you’ll want to clean the surfaces and make sure it is contaminant-free. Dust, grease, oil, and other impurities will affect the paint’s longevity.

If you use any moisture (water, cleaning solutions) while cleaning, do remember to let your surface fully dry before painting. Any leftover moisture can seep through after your paint dries and ruin it immediately, especially on wood surfaces, which can retain moisture and stay humid.   

Next, filling in the cracks and holes that exist within the surfaces also helps reduce any crevices that can cause the paint to flake. If your surfaces had a glossy finish before the new paint job, sand them down so it is easier for the paint to adhere. 

Sometimes, the usage of different kinds of paint also can overgo the process of applying prime altogether. Oil-based paint can also be another choice of paint for higher adherence to interior surfaces that fills in cracks and uneven surfaces. 

FAQ 

When would you use Peel Bond?

Peel Bond is best used when you are unsure if the paint will stick to the surface. This is especially applicable to using latex paints on masonry or wood. 

What is Peel Bond used for? 

Peel Bond is for creating a flexible surface for the paint to adhere to. As its name implies, it reduces peeling by bonding the paint to a newer, flexible surface. 

Can I paint over Peel Stop?

You can paint over Peel Stop. In fact, it is recommended to be used with paint, especially if you want it to last longer. 

Key Takeaways 

Peel Stop and Peel Bond can be a good method of lengthening the lifespan of your paint job, may it be through layering a flexible layer for the top coat of paint to go on or fixing up gaps and cracks in the previous paint jobs.

Regardless of which paint primer you use, you must eliminate any surface disparities before starting the paint job. If you’re unsure about whether your specific paint is suitable for use with Peel Bond or Peel Stop, don’t hesitate to call the manufacturer!